Richard W. Hawthorne, Business Attorney in Jacksonville, Florida
Over 33 years of legal practice · focused on Business and Real Estate
Jacksonville, FL
Practicing business in Jacksonville since 1993.
- 33+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Richard W. Hawthorne?
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Quick answer
Richard W. Hawthorne is an attorney based in Jacksonville, FLORIDA. The practice focuses on Business and Real Estate. Richard has over 33 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Jacksonville, FLORIDA
- Experience
- over 33 years
- Known for
- Business · Real Estate
- Handles Business and Real Estate matters from Jacksonville, FLORIDA.
- Over 33 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Commercial Transactions / UCC Law (Jacksonville) (2026).
About Richard W. Hawthorne: Richard W. Hawthorne is an attorney based in Jacksonville, FLORIDA. The practice focuses on Business and Real Estate. Richard has over 33 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Richard takes on
Richard concentrates on business and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Richard handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business cases in Jacksonville, Florida
Richard takes business matters in Jacksonville, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Richard agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Jacksonville, Florida
Richard takes real estate matters in Jacksonville, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Richard agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Richard W. Hawthorne — business lawyer in Jacksonville
Richard W. Hawthorne is an attorney based in Jacksonville, FLORIDA. The practice focuses on Business and Real Estate. Richard has over 33 years of legal experience.
Richard W. Hawthorne is a partner at DMHD, where he focuses on real estate and banking law. He represents buyers and sellers in commercial and residential real estate transactions, landlords and tenants in commercial leasing and developers of multifamily housing and retail buildings. He also has significant experience representing buyers and sellers of debt obligations.Mr. Hawthorne previously worked for Arthur Anderson & Co. (Jacksonville, Florida) as a tax accountant, Foley & Lardner LLP (Jacksonville, Florida), first as an associate then as a partner, and as general counsel and project manager for Thomas-Pierce & Company (Tallahassee, Florida) before joining DMHD in 2009 as a partner.
Working with Richard on a business matter
Richard W. Hawthorne is a partner at DMHD, where he focuses on real estate and banking law. He represents buyers and sellers in commercial and residential real estate transactions, landlords and tenants in commercial leasing and developers of multifamily housing and retail buildings. He also has significant experience representing buyers and sellers of debt obligations.Mr. Hawthorne previously…
Who Richard represents
Richard reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business and real estate matters in Jacksonville and the surrounding Florida area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Florida
J.D. with honors · 1992
University of Florida
B.S. with honors (Accounting) · 1988
Jurisdictions
Richard's state bar admissions
Florida
1993 · ACTIVE
Richard studied at J.D. with honors in University of Florida and B.S. with honors (Accounting) in University of Florida.
Law school and academic background
Richard completed J.D. with honors in University of Florida and B.S. with honors (Accounting) in University of Florida. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Richard runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Richard has received 10 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Commercial Transactions / UCC Law (Jacksonville)
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Banking and Finance Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Transactions / UCC Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Finance Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — AV Peer Review Rated by Lexis Nexis | Martindale Hubbell
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Florida Trend’s Legal Elite
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Jacksonville’s Top Lawyers in Jacksonville Magazine
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Commercial Transactions / UCC Law (Jacksonville) (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Banking and Finance Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Transactions / UCC Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Finance Law (2026).
Locations
Office locations for Richard W. Hawthorne in Jacksonville, Florida
Richard's primary office is at Jacksonville, Florida, 32202. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Richard W. Hawthorne
Richard has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Richard W. Hawthorne — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Richard usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Richard charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Richard's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Richard will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Jacksonville, Florida
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Richard
Richard discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Richard confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Richard's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Richard W. Hawthorne
How much does it cost to hire Richard for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Richard walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Richard offer a free consultation?
Richard charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Richard's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Richard's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Florida typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Richard gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Richard take my case if I'm outside Jacksonville?
Richard is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Richard will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Richard?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Richard will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Richard accepting new business clients right now?
Richard's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Jacksonville, Miami and Tampa in Florida
Richard handles business matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
- Jacksonville5,497 attorneys
- Miami15,918 attorneys
- Tampa9,739 attorneys
- Orlando7,352 attorneys
- Fort Lauderdale6,726 attorneys
- Tallahassee4,383 attorneys
- West Palm Beach3,699 attorneys
- Boca Raton3,668 attorneys
- Coral Gables3,397 attorneys
- Naples2,155 attorneys
- St Petersburg2,098 attorneys
- Sarasota1,994 attorneys
More counsel
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